May 5, 2023 - Things to Do

Chicago guide to outdoor farmers market season

Monica Eng

Photo of a woman holding asparagus at a farmers market — Tara Malevitas, Mick Klug Farms market manager at the Green City Farmers Market. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Chicago's outdoor farmers markets start blooming this month, with several popping up this weekend.

Why it matters: The markets usher in local produce and remind us that the cold, dreary weather can't last forever.

State of play: Green City Market opened its preseason outdoor markets last month in Lincoln Park.

What they're saying: "This year, we're aiming to connect over 400,000 Chicagoans with 50+ local, sustainable producers through our market program in Lincoln Park and West Loop," Green City Market's executive director Mandy Moody tells Axios.

"And if our pre-season attendance is any indication — we are well on our way."

What's in season: In addition to pastries, canned goods, hot prepared foods and cellared produce, we recently spied market vendors selling locally grown asparagus, greens, herbs, rhubarb and ramps.

And good news: Despite the weird April weather that killed cherry blossoms in Jackson Park, the Michigan cherry harvest seems on track so far.

"April confused the pollinators, but the blossoms are looking good so far and we're expecting good cherries," Mick Klug Farms market manager Tara Malevitas told Axios.